Taipei, June 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that the government will continue to improve the country's financial system and will deal severely with those who disrupt financial and business order.
Receiving members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, the president also noted that AmCham's "Taiwan white paper " last year cited political instability and cross-Taiwan Strait instability as the major hurdles affecting U.S. businessmen's willingness to invest here.
Chen said that the two factors are less critical this year and added that Taiwan has done its best to stabilize the political situation since the first peaceful transfer of power in Taiwan for more than five decades, especially since the parliamentary election at the end of last year.
He said that only a stable political situation can further improve the investment environment and provide incentives for foreign businessmen to come to Taiwan.
He also said that AmCham has witnessed Taiwan's goodwill and sincerity in maintaining peace in Taiwan Strait over the past two years and he expressed appreciation that AmCham has reacted in a positive manner to the government's dedication in financial reform and the eradication of black gold.
Chen noted that Taiwan is promoting the signing of a free trade agreement with the United States, which he said is the right path and in the interests of both sides. Before signing such an agreement, he went on, Taiwan will step up infrastructure construction and efforts to protect intellectual property rights so as to be in tune with world trends.
He also spoke on the country's efforts to upgrade government efficiency, saying however that government and parliamentary reforms will not come about in one step, although the nation realizes the seriousness and urgency of the problem.
He noted that the Cabinet has unveiled its six-year national construction plan, which aims to lay a solid foundation for the nation's continued economic development.
Chen said that he will continue these efforts so that the people can have confidence in the future and foreign investors can have faith in Taiwan's investment environment.
AmCham President Richard Henson said that AmCham is willing to work with the ROC to ensure Taiwan's economic development and continued upgrading of its competitiveness.
Other AmCham members said that they are positive about Taiwan's financial reforms and the eradication of black gold. They also expressed belief that Taiwan's entry into the World Trade Organization this year will help the economy continue to grow and will help promote trade relations with other countries, although the initial action since WTO entry seems to be a little slow.
The members said that the signing of a free trade agreement would be a good idea, but added that Taiwan has to take necessary action such as carrying out its WTO obligations. They also suggested that Taiwan promote intellectual property rights in a more active and efficient way, as well as upgrading its infrastructure so as to sharpen Taiwan's competitive edge.